You may have noticed that photography gear tends to be expensive. Almost all of us have G.A.S. (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) and so our loved ones often weep in despair trying to find something affordable for the upcoming holidays. Well here are ten actually useful products that are in the “reasonable” price range.

1.If you like landscape photography, getting the horizon straight is of paramount importance. Here is great tool which fits into your standard flash mount—a spirit level. $9.99

2. There doesn’t seem to be the one perfect camera bag for every instance. They also cost waaaaay more than our self-imposed limit. Not to worry as there actually are really useful accessories to help contain the small items which need to be moved back and forth between those other big bags. “Think Tank” has earned a reputation as a maker of great quality bags. (I confess, I have three) They have expanded their line up and one of my favorite new small bags is their portable and protective memory card holders.

3.Small accessory bags are also great for keeping track of the many small components. I have one bag for all my “Pocket Wizard” gear and another for things such as the charger and the various cords. As a side note, they also have introduced little miniature bungee cords, called “red whips” which are just fantastic for keeping cords in check. You will use them for everything.

5.Since Photographers love to be out in the early morning darkness and late into the night and obviously don’t care about looking cool there is another tremendously useful device you can get. Find one of those bicycling or hiking headlamps. When you are rummaging through the bottom of your camera bag, or trying to change the settings on your camera, they will come and thank you. $17.99

6. When I am out shooting in daylight hours, the most common question I am asked when people see me using my “Hoodman Loupe” is “ooh, where can I get one of those. It is one of those things that you wish you had been smart enough to think of. It is a magnifying loupe which fits up against your camera’s LCD screen blocking out the sun and actually allowing you to see your photos. Simple and very effective(Note, these used to be under $50, but they have crept up to$80.00) Still worth it

8.If you don’t like the photos they take, then you might consider buying them some books on how take better pictures. We think that the Scott Kelby books are very helpful. They walk you step by step in an easy to digest conversational style. $14.27

9.You can consider getting them 3 months’ worth of subscription to the Adobe Creative Cloud plan for Photographers. At $9.99 a month, they will have to, and will want to take over the cost for the rest of the year.

10.Finally, there are lots of great books by amazing photographers who can inspire and show how great photographs can capture more than just an instant in time. They can grasp mood, emotion, passion, beauty and the full breadth of the world outside our lenses. A few recommendations:

a.Light, Gesture, Color—Jay Maisel

b.From Oz to Kansas—Vincent Versace

c.The Moment it Clicks—Joe McNally

d.–Steve McCurry

Unfortunately, for my wonderful family, I already own everything on this list. Maybe just a little outside the $50 limit, how about pre-ordering the rumored new Nikon D5?